No sledging please, we are a small state © AFP

The press box at the Manuka is square of the wicket. The problem is it's at the same height as the stands. So all we can see is people's backsides. Luckily there's a television, which means while we are a few feet from the action, we are watching it on TV. It's a sleepy day. Only a smattering of spectators land up. Photos show packed audiences watching Prime Ministers' XI taking on visiting sides down the years but a picture of this game is unlikely to be framed indoors.

Some time around the afternoon Harbhajan Singh walks out to the middle and lasts exactly three deliveries. Apparently there were some boos around the ground but most of us didn't hear much. Neither did Rahul Dravid, neither did Mark Higgs, the ACT Invitational XI captain. Did Higgs and his team decide they wouldn't sledge during the game? "I don't think we're generally big sledgers," he smiles. "We are a small state and it's hard for us to push that envelope." What are you alleging Higgsy? Is sledging directly related to success rate? Evil thought.

Dravid is asked if he thinks he's ensured his spot for the next Test. "I hope so," he says before breaking into a cheeky smile. Evil thought.